desuetude — the state of being no longer used or practiced; disuse
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of being no longer used or practiced; disuse
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdesɪˌtud/
Example Sentences
- The ancient law fell into desuetude when smartphones made carrier pigeons obsolete.
- His grandmother's recipe book showed signs of desuetude, covered in dust and forgotten.
- The desuetude of handwritten letters makes receiving one feel like finding treasure.
desuetude
NOUN[/ˈdesɪˌtud/]
the state of being no longer used or practiced; disuse
an elderly caretaker stands beside a once-grand fountain now filled with stagnant water and fallen leaves. Vines crawl up the ornate stone walls while weeds push through cracked marble tiles. The fountain's decorative sculptures are covered in moss and bird nests have formed in the crevices. A young visitor points at the ruins while the caretaker shakes his head sadly, remembering better days. Broken garden tools lie scattered among overgrown flower beds that haven't been tended in years. the state of being no longer used or practiced through complete abandonment
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin desuetudo, meaning 'disuse' or 'discontinuance,' derived from desuescere meaning 'to become unaccustomed to' or 'to lose the habit of.'
Breakdown
de- (away from/reverse) + suet- (accustomed/habitual) + -ude (noun suffix indicating state or condition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The ancient law fell into desuetude when smartphones made carrier pigeons obsolete.”
“His grandmother's recipe book showed signs of desuetude, covered in dust and forgotten.”
“The desuetude of handwritten letters makes receiving one feel like finding treasure.”
“The company's fax machine languished in desuetude while emails ruled the office.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.